Fraudulent messages promising safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency have been sent to several shipping firms, according to Reuters on Tuesday, citing a maritime security company.

Greek risk advisory firm MARISKS said unidentified individuals posing as Iranian officials contacted companies with vessels stranded west of the strategic waterway, demanding transit fees in Bitcoin or Tether in return for “clearance.”

“These specific messages are a scam,” the firm said in an alert, stressing that the communications did not originate from Iranian authorities.

The alert comes as the United States maintains a blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran has tightened controls over the Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint that previously handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before the conflict disrupted flows.

Amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Tehran has floated the idea of charging tolls for vessels seeking safe passage, adding to uncertainty among shipowners.

Hundreds of vessels and about 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf as a result of the disruptions, the firm said.
On April 18, when Iran briefly permitted limited passage subject to inspections, several ships attempted to transit.

However, at least two vessels — including a tanker — reported that Iranian boats fired warning shots, forcing them to retreat.

MARISKS said it believes at least one ship that came under fire while trying to exit the strait on Saturday may have been targeted by the fraudulent scheme.

According to the firm, the scam messages instructed vessels to submit documents for review by Iranian security services, after which a cryptocurrency fee would be determined ahead of transit at a scheduled time.